Multi Allergy Self Test Kits
by Dr John Rees
'Imutest makes allergy testing simple - reliable results from a finger prick blood drop in just 30 minutes'
Save 10% when you order online from Health Check Shop - use discount code HCSALLERGY at checkout - click here to order
Imutest - the world's first multi allergy self test kit
Imutest was the world’s first multi allergy self test kit to give results equivalent to hospital tests.
The precision of the Imutest chemistry is complimented by the ease of use and innovative outward design of the test device itself, reflecting the designers passion and attention to detail for every aspect of the product.
In order to develop an accurate home test kit for allergy a number of technical obstacles had to be overcome;
- the test had to be simple enough for anyone to use
- give results equivalent to those used in hospitals by doctors
- the test had to be sensitive enough to measure the tiny amounts of IgE (the allergy antibodies) in just a single drop of blood
At the start of the new millennium, years of research, validation and medical regulatory approvals were complete and the first production lines were set up to manufacture this unique allergy test system.
How does the Multi Allergy Self Test kit work?
You may be surprised to find out that over 9 out of 10 people with any allergy will also be sensitive to house dust mites, pollen or cat. That is why the first Imutest kits were aimed to identify sensitivity to these three key allergy triggers of asthma, eczema and rhinitis (hay fever).
This also means that if you get a negative result to all three allergens then it is likely that your symptoms are caused by something other than allergies.
To find out if you have a sensitivity to a specific allergen, the presence of high levels of allergen antibodies known as Immunoglobulin E (IgE) are measured in a blood sample. Unlike laboratory tests, the Multi Allergy Self Test kit, Imutest, was designed to require only a finger prick blood drop just like other home test kits used on a daily basis by diabetics.
The blood drop is collected simply and safely with a sterile finger pricker and a small collection tube. The blood drop is then added to the test device followed by developer solution. Within 30 minutes results appear in the form of red lines on the test device adjacent to the allergen being tested for (a bit like pregnancy test results).
A total of four pink/red lines may appear on the test unit depending on your sensitivity;
- a control line shows that the test has worked correctly
- three other lines will show whether you have a sensitivity to cat, dust mites or pollen
- some people will have a sensitivity to all three!
How will the Multi Allergy Self Test help you?
Once you know what is triggering your symptoms you can target avoidance measures to limit your exposure to the specific allergen culprits and reduce your symptoms.
What about allergens other than dust mites, pollen and cats?
By far, the majority of allergic symptoms are triggered by dust mite, pollen and cat allergens - which is why it is important to find out which of these you are sensitive to.
Screening by blood tests or skin prick tests for a wide range of allergen sensitivities is not clinically useful and can be time consuming and expensive. The correct approach is a detailed allergy history taken by your doctor followed up by a small number of tests identified as being possible culprits from your own clinical history.
How reliable is the Multi Allergy Self Test?
The Multi Allergy Self Test is a registered medical device and was designed to give equivalent results to those obtained by doctors in hospital laboratory tests. The tests detect allergen specific IgE antibodies - the same antibody detected in skin prick tests and RAST based allergy tests.
Every batch of Imutest are manufactured according to the requirements of the European In-Vitro Diagnostic Medical Device Directive 98/79EC to ensure reliability.
How to order the Multi Allergy Self Test
You can purchase the Multi Allergy Self Test, also known as Imutest, online from Health Check Shop or call 0845 094 1861.
When you purchase Imutest from Health Check Shop you will also benefit from
- reliable and safe allergy tests that you can perform at home
- follow up advice from our registered nurse
Food intolerance tests
Food intolerance is completely different to allergy. Most people with food intolerances are sensitive to wheat or milk. An intolerance to wheat or milk could mean that you have coeliac disease or a lactose intolerance respectively.
Simple, accurate and reliable test kits are now available to help you identify whether you have an intolerance to wheat gluten (coeliac disease) or a lactose intolerance.
Who are Health Check Shop?
Health Check Shop is a registered trademark and the consumer health division of JRBiomedical Ltd. JRBiomedical is a medical company founded in 2005, providing medical diagnostic tests to hospital laboratories and intensive care units. The Biocard Celiac Test was introduced to the UK by JRBiomedical Ltd in 2006.
Health Check Shop specialises in medical tests for home use and provides free expert follow up help and advice. See www.healthcheckshop.co.uk for further information.
Further information
Telephone JRBiomedical on 01492 510 329 or visit www.healthcheckshop.co.uk